In Solo Leveling, Sung Jinwoo’s rise to power is not only marked by his personal growth but also by the formidable army of shadows he commands. Each shadow extracted has its own unique abilities, strength, and role within Jinwoo’s ranks, contributing to his overwhelming power. From the mighty Bellion to the powerful Shadow Soldiers, these beings are not just pawns; they are formidable warriors with distinct personalities and unparalleled strength. In this blog, we will rank all the shadows extracted by Jinwoo, analyzing their powers, abilities, and the significant roles they played in key battles. Join us as we explore the might of Jinwoo’s shadow army and determine which of his loyal shadows reign supreme.
Shadow Personalities
Shadows extracted by Sung Jinwoo exhibit varying levels of personality based on their grades. Lower-grade shadows, such as Normal and Elite Grade, have minimal to no personality. However, as the grade increases, their ability to express emotions grows. Knight and Elite Knight Grade shadows can display simple emotions like joy and anxiety, while General and Marshal Grade shadows possess well-developed personalities.
A prime example is Beru, who enjoyed watching Korean period dramas in his free time and had his own distinct way of speaking. Despite their personalities, all shadows remain fiercely loyal to the Shadow Monarch, Sung Jinwoo, and even extended this loyalty to his son, Sung Suho, after his birth.
Shadow Grades Explained
Shadows are categorized into different grades, reflecting their strength, similar to the rank system for hunters. Each grade determines the capabilities and power level of the shadow.
- Basic Grade: Weakest shadows, comparable to E-Rank and D-Rank Hunters.
- Normal Grade: Foot soldiers, similar to C-Rank Hunters.
- Elite Grade: Most common in the army, on par with B-Rank Hunters.
- Knight Grade: Comparable to A-Rank Hunters; can receive names from the Shadow Monarch.
- Elite Knight Grade: As strong as basic S-Rank Hunters.
- General Grade: Powerful enough to overpower advanced S-Rank Hunters.
- Marshal Grade: Highest evolution for a shadow, making them the most formidable in the army.
- Grand Marshal Grade: Reserved for the strongest shadow and serves as the lieutenant to the Shadow Monarch.
Shadow Rankings by Strength
1 ) Bellion
Grade: Grand Marshal
Bellion was introduced during the Final Battle Arc in the concluding chapters of Solo Leveling. He is the first and strongest shadow that Sung Jinwoo extracted after gaining full control of the Shadow Monarch’s powers.
Bellion’s abilities are unparalleled, marked by his masterful swordsmanship and lightning-fast reflexes. His signature weapon, a massive sword that he wields with precision, can slice through even the toughest enemies with ease.
As the Grand Marshal, Bellion commands the entire shadow army with authority second only to Jinwoo. His loyalty is absolute, and his battlefield presence is often enough to demoralize opponents before the fight even begins.
One of Bellion’s most notable traits is his calm and composed demeanor, even in the most intense battles. His combat prowess and leadership make him an indispensable part of Sung Jinwoo’s forces, securing his place as the strongest shadow.
2) Igris
Grade: Marshal
Igris was extracted during the Job Change Arc when Jinwoo conquered the Knight Commander in the deadly dungeon. As one of the earliest and most iconic shadows, Igris became a fan-favorite due to his knightly appearance and fierce loyalty.
Igris excels in close-combat battles, wielding his crimson sword with unmatched skill and precision. His agility and speed make him a deadly opponent, and his resilience in combat is second to none.
Beyond his combat skills, Igris is notable for his silent and stoic personality, always ready to protect Jinwoo and follow orders without question. His unwavering dedication and swordsmanship secure his place as the second-strongest shadow in Jinwoo’s army.
3) Beru
Grade: Marshal
Beru was extracted during the Jeju Island Arc after Jinwoo defeated the powerful Ant King that terrorized hunters. As a Marshal Grade shadow, Beru quickly became one of Jinwoo’s most trusted and powerful allies.
Beru’s abilities include high-speed regeneration, venomous attacks, and extraordinary combat reflexes. His sharp claws and terrifying battle cries make him a fearsome adversary in any encounter.
What sets Beru apart is his distinct personality, often displaying excitement when watching Korean dramas and showing deep loyalty to Jinwoo. His mixture of deadly prowess and comedic moments solidify his position as the third-strongest shadow in the army.
4) Greed
Grade: General
Greed was extracted during the International Guild Conference Arc after Jinwoo defeated Hwang Dongsoo, a powerful S-Rank hunter with a cruel personality. As a General Grade shadow, Greed became a formidable asset in Jinwoo’s army.
Greed’s powers include exceptional strength, agility, and the ability to wield dual blades with unmatched precision. His relentless pursuit of victory makes him a dangerous adversary on any battlefield.
What makes Greed stand out is his menacing aura and silent, lethal efficiency in combat. His unwavering service to Jinwoo and ruthless fighting style secure his place as the fourth-strongest shadow in the army.
5) Tusk
Grade: General
Tusk was extracted during the Hunters Guild Gate Arc after Jinwoo defeated the High Orc Shaman in the Red Gate Dungeon. As a General Grade shadow, Tusk brings immense magical power to Jinwoo’s army.
Tusk’s abilities include powerful large-scale magic attacks, protective barriers, and the unique capability to control multiple elements. His devastating spells can decimate entire battlefields with ease.
What sets Tusk apart is his intelligence and strategic use of magic, often turning the tide of battle in Jinwoo’s favor. His mastery of destructive magic and unwavering loyalty earn him the title of the fifth-strongest shadow in Jinwoo’s army.
6) Iron
Grade: Elite Knight
Iron was extracted during the Red Gate Arc after Jinwoo defeated the powerful Tanker-type Hunter, Kim Chul. As an Elite Knight Grade shadow, Iron serves as the frontline defender of Jinwoo’s army.
Iron’s powers include immense durability, superhuman strength, and the ability to withstand massive amounts of damage without faltering. His imposing figure and unyielding defense make him a crucial part of any battle formation.
Despite his brutish appearance, Iron occasionally displays humorous and lighthearted moments, adding charm to his otherwise fearsome persona. His stalwart defense and unwavering loyalty make him the sixth-strongest shadow under Jinwoo’s command.
7) Kaisel
Grade: Elite Knight
Kaisel was extracted during the Demon Castle Arc after Jinwoo defeated the formidable wyvern guarding the higher floors. As an Elite Knight Grade shadow, Kaisel serves as Jinwoo’s primary mode of aerial transportation.
Kaisel’s powers include high-speed flight, sharp talons, and the ability to unleash devastating aerial attacks. His agility and maneuverability in the sky make him a crucial asset during battles that require swift movement and reconnaissance.
What makes Kaisel special is his unwavering bond with Jinwoo, often acting as a silent protector from above. His combination of speed, strength, and loyalty earns him the title of the seventh-strongest shadow in Jinwoo’s army.
8) Jima
Grade: Elite Knight
Jima was extracted during the Demon Castle Arc after Jinwoo defeated the towering Giant that guarded one of the toughest floors. As an Elite Knight Grade shadow, Jima’s immense size and brute strength make him an intimidating presence on the battlefield.
Jima’s powers include earth-shattering physical strength, resilience, and the ability to wield colossal weapons with precision. His sheer power allows him to crush enemies with overwhelming force, making him invaluable in large-scale battles.
Despite his monstrous appearance, Jima is deeply loyal to Jinwoo and displays a protective instinct towards his allies. His raw strength and defensive capabilities place him as the eighth-strongest shadow in Jinwoo’s army.
9) Shadow Giants
Grade– Elite Knight
The Shadow Giants were extracted during the Demon Castle Arc after Jinwoo conquered the powerful giant forces on the upper floors. As Elite Knight Grade shadows, these colossal warriors stand out due to their massive stature and overwhelming strength.
The Shadow Giants possess immense physical power, capable of crushing enemies with a single strike and withstanding heavy damage without faltering. Their towering size and resilience make them ideal for both offense and defense in large-scale battles.
Despite their fearsome appearance, the Shadow Giants are unwaveringly loyal to Jinwoo and follow his commands with absolute obedience. Their combined strength and durability earn them the position of the ninth-strongest shadows in Jinwoo’s army.
10) Tank
Grade- Knight
Tank was extracted during the Red Gate Arc after Jinwoo defeated the enormous Ice Bear that served as a dungeon boss. As an Elite Knight Grade shadow, Tank stands out as one of the most unique and powerful beast-type shadows in Jinwoo’s army.
Tank’s abilities include incredible physical strength, swift agility, and devastating claw attacks that can rip through enemies with ease. His size and power make him a formidable presence on any battlefield.
What makes Tank special is his combination of ferocity and loyalty, always ready to protect Jinwoo and follow his commands without hesitation. His balance of raw power and dedication secures his place as the tenth-strongest shadow in the army.
Honorable Mentions (Temporary Shadows)
Kamish
Kamish was temporarily revived during the International Guild Conference Arc when Jinwoo was granted permission by the FBH to see the dragon’s corpse in person. It took two attempts for Jinwoo to successfully extract Kamish’s shadow due to how long the dragon had been dead.
Despite his brief revival, Kamish’s overwhelming power was undeniable, with his devastating breath attacks and immense physical strength. Sadly, his body began to crumble soon after, and before his dissolution, he warned Jinwoo of four humans bestowed with the Rulers’ powers.
Ant Queen
After Jinwoo extracted Beru’s shadow following the defeat of the Ant King in the Jeju Island Arc, he attempted to extract the Ant Queen’s shadow as well. However, her shadow turned out much weaker than expected due to her lack of combat prowess.
As her main strength lay in reproduction, which was impossible for a shadow without a physical body, Jinwoo decided to terminate her extraction. This made her one of the shortest-lived shadows in his arsenal.
Min Byung-Gyu
Min Byung-Gyu was briefly revived after the Jeju Island Arc when Jinwoo needed his healing powers to save Cha Hae-In, who was critically injured. The shadow retained Byung-Gyu’s exceptional healing abilities, which proved crucial in stabilizing Cha’s condition.
Once his task was complete, Jinwoo honored a request to let Byung-Gyu rest in peace and terminated his extraction, allowing his soul to pass on peacefully. Despite his short time as a shadow, his contribution was invaluable.
Stay tuned for more Solo Leveling content and detailed anime rankings on Animeking!
